Discouragement and Opportunity:
May 2009

Discouragement and Opportunity

It's easy to get discouraged these days as opportunities do not seem to be as abundant as they were just a short while ago.  The leader's job is to resolve this puzzle - for themselves and others.

What is discouragement?  From the structure of the word it appears to be the lack of courage.  Courage is the willingness to face whatever difficulty or threat is interfering with our intentions.  It also involves standing for our own strength and resilience in spite of the appearances to the contrary - even when it looks crazy to do so.

When we remember that somewhere deep down inside, our heart contains the wherewithal to weather every challenge and to resolve every puzzle, we are acting courageously.  When we forget this truth and turn away from our challenges, people describe us as having "lost heart."  Our contention is that we never really lose our heart; we just forget to consult it when we focus on our limitations!

What is your current relationship with your heart's courage?  If it is elusive during this time of economic reorganization, we have a suggested remedy for you similar to, "take two pills and call me in the morning."

First, face your reality as directly and completely as possible.  What is happening that is tough to face?  What do you feel about this situation that is getting the better of you?  Do you have expectations or intentions that are not happening?  Is something else happening that you were working hard to avoid?  The first test of courage is to look your dragon in the eye.

The second step is to look for your opportunity.  Every difficult situation provides subtle opportunities.  Every foe has a weakness.  Stop reacting to what isn't right with your world.  Be with your unpalatable reality so intimately that you find your opportunity. Identify the limiting future that you've begun to buy into.  Look more deeply for the truth of who you are.  Allow your opportunities to speak to you. 

Once you see your opportunity, your heart will naturally take over and you will seize your moment.  You will slay your dragon.  You will no longer be dis-couraged because that is not your nature.  You do have what you need inside to navigate through every difficulty life throws at you.  Your outcomes may not fit your plans and your preferred reality may need an overhaul, but if you are feeling discouraged, discouragement is the door to opportunity. 

If it's time to reinvent yourself, your team, or your organization, trust that you can resolve your puzzle.  And don't forget to call us in the morning.  We can save you a lot of time and hassle.  Helping you is in our nature. If you know someone who would benefit from this article or learning about LionHeart, please pass this newsletter along to them.  Positive energy is just as contagious as the other kind.